forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: Tim Mixon on December 06, 2022, 01:14:01 PM
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My latest project will be the Curtiss F-Boat. This is a vaccuform kit with cast metal parts and a small decal sheet. The parts seem crisply formed on two separate vac sheets. The metal parts leave a lot to be desired.
The F-Boat has the distinction of being the first mass produced flying boat. Developed in 1912-13, over 300 were produced. It also was the first US aircraft used in a military operation against another nation ( Mexico ).
[/(http://)b]
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160040)
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160041)
Parts are cut out and sanded.
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160042)
I’ll use this resin Curtiss OXX engine from Ardpol instead of the poorly cast kit piece
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160043)
I’ll try and end up with something like this!
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160044)
Thanks for looking in!
Tim
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That photo looks like one of the New Zealand Flying School aircraft...coincidentally why I like these! I didn't realise there was a kit so I'm very excited to follow along.
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Great choice of subject, I've only ever built (very badly, hence only the one) vacform kit. Will follow along with great interest.
Richie
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Part 2.
Starting with the interior framework. A little research shows that the fuselage is actually quite complicated lattice work. This will be my first challenge!
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160057)
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160058)
I’ll start with adding a keel to the left fuselage half. I chose Evergreen #134 strip
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160059)
The lattice will be Evergreen #100 strips
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160060)
Starting with the horizontal long strips:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160062)
Then adding the vertical strips:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160061)
After several hours I completed the framework and stained the “woodwork “ using Windsor Newton burnt umber over Model Master Depot Buff.
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160063)
Next up will be flight controls and interior do dad’s.
Thanks for looking in!
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Great start, the interior framework looks fantastic. I've never seen such a complicated fuselage frame before. I guess landing on water needs all that structure.
Richie
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Beautiful. You've got me wanting one of these now!
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Outstanding start!
RAGIII
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Part 3.
Continuing on with the interior, I next built the vertical support post. I decided to make it from brass strip for support and ease of shaping.
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160294)
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160296)
Here’s what the real deal looks like:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160295)
Next I built the flooring. The actual aircraft had more planks but I think this will work.
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160297)
Then came the seating structure and backrest pads:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160298[img]Next is the seat framework:) https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160299[/img]
Then the cushions made from multiple masking tape layers:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160301)
Trying to imitate this but with individual seat cushions:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160309)
Then the back support framework:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160308)
Now working on the steering column and wheels:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160305)
Thanks for looking in!
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Part 4.
Interior is all finished. Ready to close up the fuselage and begin exterior work. It will need some putty to fill the seams!
Dual control yolk and rudimentary instrument cluster scratch built.
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160341)
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160340)
Thanks for looking in!
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Ii need to practice woodgrain. You got skilz.
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As always, simply amazing....
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Reckon I need to practice woodgrain technique too, those floor boards look incredible!
Richie
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Really impressive work all around. You are a master of multi media for sure!
RAGIII
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Outstanding stuff!
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How in the name of everything did you train those spiders to work for you? :D 8)
Can I borrow them please? ;D
Pretty please . . . ;)
Joking aside I just love how it's shaping up so far
Paul
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Great stuff Tim.
I have spiders, you can have mine....
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/jj307/Allanscott31/thumbnail_(776).jpeg?width=undefined&height=undefined&fit=bounds) (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/jj307/Allanscott31/thumbnail_(776).jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
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I wonder if that spider will post a new thread
Alan.
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I wonder if that spider will start a new thread
Alan.
the Spider could be a spin doctor?
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I had no idea there was a vac kit of this. I built the vac of the Donnet Leveque which preceded the Curtiss, and it needed major alterations and I have a resin kit of this in my stash. You're doing a fabulous job so far, I'm looking forward to watching it come together.
Ian
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Only just found this. Another type which is new to me (I do like this forum for introducing all of these lesser/unknown types).
Amazing work on the interior - the wood structure and cockpit details are just incredible - especially the control wheels.
Stephen.
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Part 5.
Thank you all for your gracious comments. I have made headway on this over the weekend.
I closed the fuselage and started to fill all the gaps with Perfect Plastic Putty. I’m new to this product but fairly impressed with its ease of use. It spreads smoothly, dries quickly, and sands very finely.
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160642)
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160643)
Primed to look for flaws:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160644)
I decided to add the lower wing in one piece for strength integrity. The center section is supposed to be part of the wooden fuselage. I sanded off the rib effects in the center and scratch built the access hatch for the fuel tank.
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160645)
Added the exterior keel on the lower surface:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160646)
I added the rear rudder fuselage attachment:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160647)
I’m planning on painting all the flying surfaces first because I’m afraid of masking the fuselage after it is completed. I’ve had disastrous problems in the past!
Scratch build the fuselage nose cap:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160648)
Painted flying surfaces with Tamiya acrylic
Brown:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160649)
Now I’m in process of masking all the wing framework:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160650)
That’s all for now. Thanks for looking in!
Tim
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Part 6.
Masking is complete:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160699)
Light overspray of Tamiya Deck Tan:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160700)
Removal of the masking:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=160701)
Next week I’ll overspray the deck tan again. I don’t really like this as a Clear doped linen look. I’ll probably lighten it with my usual CDL mix
Thanks for looking in!
Tim
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I want this kit, you've really sold me on it. Exquisite work Tim!!
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Rapid work Tim, it's looking like a stunner in the making. That masking job must have taken ages, time well spent though. The lower surfaces are going to look fantastic.
Richie
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Some superb detail work there Tim. A very impressive model in the making.
Stephen.
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Part 7.
Ok. Here’s my second coat of Tamiya deck tan. I’m thinking it’s too dark and concrete looking.
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=161060)
I’ve oversprayed a lighter CDL color. You can see the difference here:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=161061)
Next I remasked the rib tapes and lightly painted Tamiya clear smoke.
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=161062)
It looks a lot better in natural lighting. I’m pleased with how the spars are still visible and the ribs look superficial.
Thanks for looking in!
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Nicely subtle Tim, I like it a lot! For what it's worth here's a photo of an original Curtiss MF (owned by Sir Peter Jackson) on display at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre (https://www.omaka.org.nz/) - next time I'm down there I will take more photos for future builders' reference:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51021167301_e232ca0460_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJyPui)14ac31e0-a17f-4495-af48-f288c179b4fe_zps8gyh2hue_35553191921_o (https://flic.kr/p/2kJyPui) by Zac Yates (https://www.flickr.com/photos/zacyates/), on Flickr
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Fantastic Tim, I especially like the effect you got by spraying the clear Tamiya smoke after remarking the rib tapes.
Richie
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Since I now have a nifty little Dragon kit in 1/48 scale missing a wing strut, I will be looking at your continuously amazing build for reference, THANKS !!
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/jj307/Allanscott31/Screen_Shot_2022-12-17_at_3.01.03_PM.png) (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/jj307/Allanscott31/Screen_Shot_2022-12-17_at_3.01.03_PM.png)
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Part 8. Fuselage
With the flying surfaces completed, I applied two coats of Future floor polish and let it dry over the week. Now I have masked off the wings in preparation for the fuselage wood effects. I’m going for the planked look in this photo:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=161547)
Wings masked:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=161549)
I sprayed a base coat of acrylic model master depot buff. After it dried I then masked the planks over the entire fuselage :
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=161548)
Next I randomly removed a few planks. These first ones will be the darkest planks.
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=161550)
With a mix of depot buff and Tamiya brown 3:1 I lightly sprayed the fuselage:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=161551)
Next I
removed a few more plank masks and sprayed the same mixture but much more lighter. This makes the planks I exposed first a little darker.
I was afraid I’d have paint peeling! Deep breath…. Ok I can fix this…. maybe!
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=161552)
Here’s the final look before staining with Windsor Newton Burnt Umber
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=161554)
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=161553)
Here’s the final results after stain and two coats of Future:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=161555)
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=161556)
I’m really pleased with this. My first attempt at this look. Not great, but I have many more flying boats to build and gain experience with.
Thanks for looking in!
Tim
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That looks really cool!
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That looks fantastic Tim, I like that planked look very much.
Richie
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I admit I was skeptical about the planking effect but as soon as the stain was on...beautiful!!
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Superb planking effect.
Stephen.
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Great looking planking!
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The wings look terrific but WOW that fuselage / Hull !! Your technique is outstanding!
RAGIII
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Part 9.
Slowly moving ahead with this build. I added the wing floats to the lower wing.
I had to fill in the center area at the wing attachment with putty. The two brass pins are standoffs for the wooden skid that goes over the float.
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=162031)
Next I added the lower wing bracing bars to the fuselage/ hull
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=162023)
You can see I added the entire tail section as well. Forgot to document this part
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=162027)
The rudder gets brass rod attachments as well. I think it’s unique how the bottom part of the rudder is wooden. The tail fins are too narrow to add brass attachments. I’ve already knocked them off twice !
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=162024)
Here’s the overall look of the aircraft. Next I’ll start the engine and it’s mount.
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=162026)
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=162025)
Thanks for looking in!
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In a word, Beautiful! This is really taking shape and looks Stunning!
RAGIII
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In a word, Beautiful! This is really taking shape and looks Stunning!
RAGIII
Thank you RAGIII. This is one I have wanted to build for a long time now.
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Superb Tim, I like that planking more every time I see it and I was impressed at the first viewing.
Richie
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Looking ever more impressive with each update. I do like small flying boats.
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Part 10. Engine
My focus is now on the propulsion system for my little flying boat. I chose not to use the metal engine included with the kit. Instead I’ll use a resin one by Ardpol. First thing is the engine support. Scratch built from brass strip and rod. This is held together with CA glue
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=162151)
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=162152)
One coat of Tamiya flat aluminum on the engine to see more detail.
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=162150)
The exhaust piping is brass tube. These are probably longer than the real deal but it’s ok by my standards
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=162153)
Engine was enhanced with some piping and plastic do dads. I’m starting to shape out a radiator. I’ll add the rest of the plumbing and fuel lines after the radiator is completed.
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=162154)
Thanks for looking in!
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Thank you for posting, Tim - she is looking utterly amazing! After lusting for one of these since childhood your build is giving me a lot of joy.
This video is why I'm so fond of them: https://youtu.be/gd07jkkuwwQ
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Excellent as always Tim.
If you're as impatient as I am, I found I can get a similar wood effect by cutting Vallejo Mahogany red with some future and layering on the streaked wood.
The hair dryer is our friend.....
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Superb Tim, so much skill and imagination going into a very special model.
Happy Christmas
Richie
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Part 11. Radiator, Engine details.
My radiator was shaped out of plastic card then I added fine wire mesh to both sides.
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=162293)
Then I added framework and plumbing details:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=162292)
Here it is installed with some plumbing to the engine. Scratch built throttle and control wiring :
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=162296)
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=162295)
Starting to build the flying control wires and attachments:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=162294)
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=162297)
Rigging the controls is next.
Thanks for looking in!
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Exquisite work Tim, what a gem!!
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Wow, amazing work!
Warren
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Simply Stunning Tim! The more I look at the fabric the better it gets! Outstanding work on the Pylon and engine also!
RAGIII
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This is looking like your best so far Tim.
Alan
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So many details in such a small scale! This is turning into something very special.
Richie
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What can I add to what has been written? Superb scratch building details in the One True Scale.
Stephen.
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Blimey, that looks darn good Tim!
Cheers,
Willem
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I've just caught up on this one and have to agree with everyone else. It's gorgeous, the planking is spectacular, and the engine and rad not far behind!
Happy New Year!
Ian
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I'll say like Ian - I've just caught up with this and it's gorgeous!
/Fredrik
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Part 12.
I’ve nearly finished this project. I’m thinking the flat coat dulled down the hull too much. I’m going to paint a gloss coat of Future next weekend. I still have some work to do on a scratch beaching trolly and I’m toying with adding a figure.
Here’s the current status:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=163817)
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=163820)
This is what I want to depict:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=163818)
I’ve chopped up an Airfix Hannover observer/ gunner. Added a Revell pilot head and Emhar French infantry arms
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=163819)
Still needs some adjustments and filler putty
Almost there!
Thanks for looking in!
Tim
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Simply exquisite work, Tim!
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That is brilliant Tim, the planking still looks excellent but a little glossing with Klear as you intend will really make it pop. The final display idea I can't wait to see. That's a lovely old photo.
Richie
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Brilliant, superb work, on so many levels.
Warren
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Expertly bult and Beautifully painted and Rigged!
RAGIII
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I had some delays with this one. After looking harder at the pictures, I noticed that the ailerons don’t abut to the rear wing struts. They actually envelope them.
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=166390)
I really had to force myself to attempt to fix it!
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=166389)
Also the rear rigging wires pass through the aileron. This will be a real PITA to fix!
After removing the ailerons I attempted to clean the glue off the struts. I ended up dislodging several struts. The elastic rigging pulled them off the wings. I had to remove half the rigging, strip and repaint the struts, and touch up the wings.
Here’s the ailerons with the necessary cut out and hole for the rigging to pass through. Also managed to finish my little pilot figure.
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=166392)
Next up is the finished pictures
Thanks for looking in!
Finito! Here’s a teaser pic. I’ll post the rest in the completed section:
(https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/hyperscale/download/file.php?id=166393)
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Amazing...scooting over to completed now....
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Stunning. Simply stunning.
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Outstanding work Tim!
This is a really beautiful aircraft. I like these Curtiss flying boats.
I guess you know Des's build:
https://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/page51.html
Cheers,
Willem